The Adapted screenplay category is one of the most contested races this year as it includes five best picture nominees. The award is usually decided after all the precursors have been hand out. However with no consensus it could go to anyone this year. Previous winners have been "The Descendants," "The Social Network," "Precious," "Slumdog Millionaire," "No Country For Old Men," and "The Departed."
Argo-Chris Terrio received his first Academy Award nomination for his work on "Argo." Terrio has already won 13 precursor awards including the Writers Guild of America award. He was nominated for the Golden Globe, British Academy Awards and Critics Choice but failed to win. Many question whether or not he has a chance especially after losing such huge awards. Additionally the past six winners of this category have had films that are also nominated for Best Director. Ben Affleck was not nominated and this could ultimately hurt "Argo's" chances. However with a WGA award, "Argo's" script looks to be the front runner. No film in the history of the Academy Awards has ever lost with all four major guild awards.
Beasts of the Southern Wild-Benh Zeitlin received his second nomination for Beasts of the Southern Wild; he is also nominated for Best Director. Lucy Alibar received her first nomination. "Beasts" has had one of the most incredible awards season scoring nominations for the top prizes including the BAFTA. Its nomination is its sole prize as the film has failed to win any screenplay categories. The only way this film wins is if the Academy decides to throw curveballs throughout the evening.
Life of Pi-David Magee received his second Academy Award nomination; he was previously nominated for 2004's Finding Neverland. Magee obtained nominations from all the top organizations including the BAFTA, Golden Globe, Critics' Choice and WGA. It won the Satellite but has not resonated with anyone else. Unless the film sweeps every category, Magee looks to go home empty handed.
Lincoln-Tony Kushner's recognition in the Adapted Screenplay marks his second nomination; he was previously honored in 2005 for his work on Munich. Lincoln has been praised by numerous critics and has won 12 screenplay awards throughout the season. It won the Critics' Choice and was nominated for the BAFTA, Golden Globe and WGA. At the start of awards season Kushner was thought to be the front runner. However his failure to win the WGA and the BAFTA weakened his chances. Additionally "Lincoln's" failure to win any Guild awards demonstrates it is no longer a front runner in the race.
Silver Linings Playbook-David O .Russell received his first nomination in the adapted screenplay category; he was previously nominated in 2010 for best director for the "The Fighter." Russell showed a strong presence during precursors winning seven awards including the BAFTA and the National Board of Review. The film failed to win the WGA on Sunday making its possibilities very low. However if the Academy favors the film as they did with eight nominations, Russell can easily win this award and eventually go home with the Best Picture.
Predictions:" Argo "is the film to lose as it won the WGA and scored wins at all four Guild awards. If the Academy goes against it, "Silver Lingings Playbook" will take the award and ultimately the Best Picture.